Though all models are machine washable, there's a lot of talk about keeping VFF's clean. For especially sweaty feet, I might still gravitate to the KSO's, since they seem more water and cleaning friendly than Bikilas or Treks. I haven't found room in my budget for Treks yet, so I can't speak from experience there. The Bikilas feel GREAT for running, but the KSO's are more go-anywhere. You'll feel the ground more with KSO's too...for better and worse.

What Adam said! I have loved the KSO's and will continue to, because they are so comfortable and good for doing almost anything. I just got Bikilas and feel more protective of them (not gonna mow the lawn in them, etc.), but they feel amazing for running. I am only just starting out, since I've never been able to run much in "normal" shoes due to back pain. With bare feet or VFF's, that is a non-issue! Whatever you decide, have fun and good luck!

Welcome! I'm newer to VFF's than you are, but already see the potential for a life change. It's still got to be us who do the work to change ourselves, but these shoes have allowed me to run without back pain (just lots of sore leg muscles, which is actually great). They also just make it fun to walk out the door. So far, it's just the kick in the pants that I needed.

Aiea: Might want to check and make sure that order "took". I ordered after you did and am wearing mine now.

Jimmy Hart: I better understand your warning to be slow and careful. I went around the local lake last night and found myself wanting to go farther and faster than before. The Bikilas definitely do more to mute the roughness of pavement on my soles and the snug but comfy fit seems to add motivation as well. My calves are joining my inner voice: "baby steps...baby steps"

McD's aside (blech), I had similar concerns to Jeepman's. This thread started because the OP was concerned their new KSO's were fakes, and many thought they were. That indicates a pretty big digression from what this group expects from this KSO model.

An extra logo, some odd color differences on strap and sole...with footwear that is purchased locally, you can see what you're getting. With something that so many folks are forced (or at least motivated) to find online, the last thing you want is doubt over what you're going to get. If I received some grey/green Bikilas and the strap was more of a blue or the sole was black or my KSO mesh felt slightly different than the last pair, I might not be happy with that surprise. But I would then be stuck with a real pain trying to do anything about it. They aren't "defective", just "different." Even if the vendor were willing to replace them and I didn't mind that hassle...how can I have confidence in what the next pair will be like?

If the changes reflect upcoming tweaks that will affect shoes from all factories (like "all VFF's will have logos on both feet after summer 2010"), that's one thing. If we end up rolling the dice and wondering if we'll get the Indonesian style or the Chinese version...that's not cool at all!

This is the only report I've seen so far like this. It's not worth freaking out over. Is there going to be an issue? Time will tell. Vibram may go through some growing pains until they get all factories on the same page. Toes crossed that that is the worst-case scenario.

i know theyre not as fun, but we used to have a 100ft pine tree in my backyard. i could see for miles around from the top.

Yeah, pines are prickly and sticky, but they are like natural ladders. I used to love rushing to the tops of them when I lived in upstate NY. I would love ANY good climbing tree right now. Gonna have to start searching Orlando for something that isn't a palm or an oak whose lowest branch is 20 ft up!

Well, this is my first time hearing about Insanity (the workout version anyway). I'm very intrigued as I'm in the early stages of a general "get fit" mission. I don't have a bunch of weight to lose, but was lazy for years. The last few months have seen increasing mileage on the bicycle and now starting to break myself in on the VFF's during the week.

Would you guys who've tried the Insanity workout say that I should develop some more general fitness before looking into this program, or is it "scalable" for one's personal level of fitness/flexibility? I would love to have a structured and well-rounded routine to keep the ball rolling, but don't want to try too much too soon. Any thoughts?

Thanks for the replies. Now if my local store could get them in so I can try them on. I am really wanting to see if it is worth the investment or if I should just not wear shoes at all.

If the soles of my feet had the thickness and traction of my KSO's, I'd say barefoot is the only way to fly! Being able to feel ALMOST barefoot, but not worrying about some sharp thing jabbing me or someone saying "you can't come in here barefoot!" has been extremely enjoyable. If you can't get them, though, barefoot is always available for free in the meantime!

Anyone logged more than 10 miles in them? I am curious how they feel after the foot has swelled. I doubt I will be consistenly running that far, but it would be nice to know. I should just work up to that mileage barefoot and be done with it. No more foot wear unless it is to cold.

Seemed like the consensus was that the Bikila stretches and forms to one's foot better than other models once you've put some miles on in them. That might equate to "they feel good" after some foot swelling, depending on how your fit is to begin with? Good luck!